By Kyle LoJacono
Nick Schuyler is remembering one of the worst days of his life with a fun community event to raise money for the organization that saved his life.
Schuyler and the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department will have a 7-on-7 flag football tournament in Lutz on May 14 and 15, more than two years after a boating accident that changed his life forever.
On Feb. 28, 2009 Schuyler, a former University of South Florida (USF) football player, went out on a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico with three of his friends. The four were caught in a storm that flipped their boat and stranded them in the water 38 miles off shore. Two days later when the U.S. Coast Guard found the capsized vessel, only Schuyler remained.
Schuyler is now 26 years old and a trainer at L.A. Fitness in Lutz. He started the Nick Schuyler Foundation to support the Coast Guard, which saved his life two years ago.
“I wanted to start this foundation so that my fallen brothers would never be forgotten,” Schuyler said. “Most importantly, I hope the Nick Schuyler Foundation can help prevent similar boating accidents.”
The foundation also helps fund the Will Bleakley Memorial Scholarship, named after one of the three men who died in the boat accident. The scholarship is given to a student entering USF who exemplifies courage, kindness and commitment.
The 7-on-7 flag football tournament is at the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 770 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Lutz. The event is the weekend of May 14 and 15 to raise money for the foundation.
County spokeswoman Kemly Green said the department was happy to help put on the event.
“It’s the kind of thing we want to be a part of,” Green said. “Not only is it a very important cause, but it’s something people in the county can do to have fun while using the recreational facilities here in Hillsborough.”
The cost for a team to register is $400 and includes a T-shirt. The tournament format is double elimination until only one team is left. Complete rules for teams and game play are available at www.nickschuylerfoundation.com. There people can also sign up or donate to the foundation, and also can find safety tips for boaters.
“I want to thank everyone for continuing to support the foundation two years after this tragedy,” Schuyler said. “The prayers alone have been tremendous. I want to thank all of our sponsors for their generous donations and thank all of our volunteers.”
For more information on the tournament or to register a team, call (813) 777-2382.
